The Top 3 Grant Mistakes to Avoid

Speaking from personal experience, it can be overwhelming to put together a big grant application. Sometimes you spend so much time tracking down those last few attachments or perfecting the narrative that you overlook some really basic things. As a grant reviewer, I’ve seen this from the other side. By planning ahead, you can avoid these three big mistakes.

#1 Forgetting attachments or attaching the wrong information

I have a submission checklist I follow before I consider a grant application ready to be submitted. One of the items in my checklist is to check that all the attachments have been uploaded correctly; I literally download all the attachments again to be sure the right file (and the right version of the file) is in the correct container field.

Another item on my checklist is to be sure the funding amount we’re requesting in the application project budget is the same as in the application form. Again, speaking from personal experience…. Ouch.

And, a very important item on my checklist: review the guidelines again. One of the first things grant professionals do when reviewing a grant opportunity is to read the guidelines, but it’s easy to forget the tiny details by the time you’re ready to submit. For instance, a funder might only allow you to claim 5% of program expenses for overhead, or they might specify that your organization’s expenses and income must balance. When your application is ready to submit, re-read the grant guidelines to check everything is completed to the funder’s specifications.

#2 Applying to a funder that doesn’t fund your priority or geographic area

This should be a no-brainer, but don’t spend time on an application for a funder that is going to immediately rule out your application. If the guidelines on the funder’s website aren’t clear, contact the program officer to clarify whether or not you are eligible. This can be tricky, depending on the funder type. Government funders are statutorily obligated to be clear about eligibility for their grant opportunities (funding is authorized by legislation), while private foundations can set whatever parameters they choose for funding. While reviewing 990-PF data can give you decent guidance on whether a private foundation is a good match, foundation staff or trustees will be the best guidance.

#3 Missing the deadline

This is the biggest mistake you can make! With more and more grant applications being submitted each year, few funders will allow you to submit an application after the deadline, regardless of your organization’s circumstances. Set up processes to help your future self. When you outline your work plan and timeline for writing the application, plan to submit the application at least two business days before the deadline. If your team tends to blow past deadlines, pretend the deadline is actually earlier than what’s posted. Whatever structures you need to put in place, don’t miss the deadline.

The bottom line: details, details, details

With grant opportunities becoming more and more competitive, paying attention to these details can make a huge difference in whether your application is funded. Thinking through your processes and the way you and your team work can help your grant program be more successful.

What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in a grant application? How did you learn from it?